Chapter 81: Promise Me

Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Promise Me

Su Wan understood what he meant. She frowned and turned to look at him. "You knew about Zheng Zhizhi’s situation this whole time?"

Seeing the look on her face, Lu Zhengchuan subconsciously explained, "I was worried she might try to do something to you again. I was uneasy, so after she left the military base, I had someone look into her whereabouts."

Su Wan hadn’t expected that to be the reason.

"Oh?"

"Because I found out that after she left the base, she didn’t go back to Yang County but stayed in the county town. That’s why I arranged for someone to gather more information and keep track of her movements. I absolutely did not contact her privately." Lu Zhengchuan was one step short of raising his hand to swear an oath.

Su Wan raised an eyebrow. "So, what did you find out?"

"Zheng Zhizhi rented a room in a large courtyard complex on Songlin Road. Most of the people in that courtyard are from out of town, and they’re all merchants."

Su Wan asked doubtfully, "Is Zheng Zhizhi in business?"

"She’s not in business. She’s secretly learning a trade from those people." When Lu Zhengchuan said this, his expression was a little strange.

’Secretly learning a trade? Learning what?’ Su Wan had never imagined Zheng Zhizhi could be so proactive.

Lu Zhengchuan’s smile was a bit odd. "She’s secretly learning pottery."

"Hm?" Su Wan blinked.

’Something about this feels strange.’

"Pottery?"

"Yes. Actually, several of the nearby production brigades used to have their own earthen kilns for pottery. Later, the state consolidated things and established a ceramics factory at the provincial level. Most of the skilled artisans went to work at the factory, so pottery making in the county’s rural areas was banned. After all, private enterprise wasn’t allowed back then."

"Now, under the state’s planned economy, some of the old artisans are still afraid to stick their necks out. But some daring outsiders will come and seek them out to learn the craft."

"Oh, so Zheng Zhizhi wants to be a private entrepreneur and make money?" Su Wan didn’t find that strange upon reflection.

After all, Zheng Zhizhi wasn’t the type to be content with a hard life.

"More or less."

Lu Zhengchuan reached out and began to massage her calves, kneading them until they were sore and achy.

"But her learning ceramics is probably because she was influenced by you, Wanwan."

As Lu Zhengchuan said this, his eyes, fixed on Su Wan, were filled with unconcealable admiration.

"Your skill with pottery in the compound has earned the admiration of many. Zheng Zhizhi wants to get into pottery to steal your business."

Su Wan was curious. "How do you know that’s what she’s thinking?"

"The person I assigned was a retired comrade who used to be a reconnaissance scout. His hearing is still sharp, and he happened to overhear Zheng Zhizhi talking to Liu Lang’s mother. That’s how we found out about her plans."

"But I don’t think she can surpass your skill, Wanwan."

Lu Zhengchuan didn’t forget to add a compliment for Su Wan.

Su Wan was speechless for a moment. ’He’s more confident in me than I am in myself.’

She couldn’t help but ask, "What if she’s a natural at pottery? What if she’s even better than me? Zheng Zhizhi might have a bad character, but that doesn’t mean she has zero talent for pottery."

"Whether she makes pottery or not has nothing to do with me. Besides, this is what I truly believe: Wanwan, you’re my wife, so in my heart, you’ll always be the best."

"Besides, Wanwan, you don’t make a living from pottery. It’s just your hobby. Even if she’s truly better at it than you, she can’t steal your business."

"You’re about to go to the Capital, so she won’t see you for a long, long time."

Su Wan didn’t say anything to spoil the mood. Lu Zhengchuan’s reassurance made the corners of her lips curve up slightly, and a sense of pleasure filled her heart.

"Am I that amazing in your eyes?" Su Wan’s eyes brightened a little.

Lu Zhengchuan couldn’t resist reaching out to ruffle her hair.

Su Wan moved her head, trying to get him to lower his hand. The tips of her ears felt hot, her attention completely focused on the hand on her head.

She didn’t notice the burning intensity hidden in Lu Zhengchuan’s gaze as he looked at her.

"Of course." Lu Zhengchuan praised her, his hand stealthily sliding down to her face, which he gently caressed. "It’s not just me. Who in the compound doesn’t think you’re outstanding?"

Su Wan blinked, her cheeks flushing as she looked for an excuse to change the subject. "Even if you praise me, you were still in the wrong about this."

"Can you get into the habit of telling me everything from now on?"

Su Wan tentatively tried to train him.

Many men weren’t in the habit of telling their wives everything, especially not those with a serious case of male chauvinism. There were many men like that in the village.

She had even sensed a bit of it in Lu Zhengchuan.

Her father was the only exception. That was why her mother had taught her that even though many men in the village looked down on her father, saying he couldn’t stand up for himself, being the wife of such a man was the greatest happiness.

"...Do I have to tell you everything?" Lu Zhengchuan paused, asking seriously.

"Not everything," Su Wan said. "Just things that concern me, and things that concern you. Of course, if you’re not against it, you can also tell me anything that comes to mind."

"...Alright." Lu Zhengchuan agreed.

"Since I’ve agreed to this for you, Wanwan, can you agree to one thing for me?"

Su Wan was just feeling happy that his true nature wasn’t so chauvinistic and that he knew how to respect women, feeling fortunate as if she’d found a treasure. Hearing his words, she reflexively replied, "Tell me what it is first."

"...AHEM, can I kiss you?" Before Su Wan could answer, he nervously added, "Consider it my reward for agreeing to this."

Su Wan blushed from her face all the way down to her neck. She didn’t dare look at him. Her eyes fell to the belt on his waist, which only made her notice his strong, powerful waistline. "You haven’t even started yet, and you’re already asking for a reward?"

Lu Zhengchuan placed his hands on her waist. The burning heat of his palms seemed to sear her skin right through her dress.

"If you reward me, it’ll definitely be easier for me to develop this good habit. Wanwan, you’re so smart. You must know that people learn faster when there’s a benefit involved."

’A benefit involved...’ That description made Su Wan’s heart skip a beat.

"Wanwan, can I?" Lu Zhengchuan’s fingers traced her ear, his voice low and sexy.

Su Wan took a deep breath, looked up, closed her eyes, and pecked Lu Zhengchuan on his thin lips.

Lu Zhengchuan felt a soft touch on his lips, and his heart skipped a beat. His eyes were wide open, filled with the sight of Su Wan’s beautiful and delicate face. His Adam’s apple bobbed. Seeing that she was pulling away after just a peck, he couldn’t restrain himself. He reached out, wrapped an arm around the back of her head, and chased after her lips.

"Mmph..." Su Wan’s eyes flew open in shock.

Lu Zhengchuan sealed her slightly parted lips, his kiss immediately turning deep and demanding.

Su Wan’s eyes widened as she passively accepted it. His fiery breath washed over her face, making her face and body grow even hotter.

「A long while later.」

Lu Zhengchuan released her.

Su Wan lowered her head, hiding the shiver that ran through her body.

"Wanwan?" Lu Zhengchuan reached out worriedly to touch her face, wanting to lift it.

Su Wan cleared her throat. "I’m fine. Just give me a second to recover."

"Are you okay?" Lu Zhengchuan’s voice was full of concern.

Su Wan took a few seconds to compose herself, then looked up and smiled at him. "You’d better remember what you promised me, okay? From now on, remember to tell me things. We’re husband and wife, so we should discuss everything together."

Lu Zhengchuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed, a flash of obsession flickering in his eyes. "Of course."

"Good." Su Wan smiled and turned away, pressing down on the corners of her upturned lips. ’Mom was so right,’ she thought. ’With men, it’s all about attraction. It’s best to just state your needs directly.’